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It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.